In the evolving landscape of pediatric oncology, survivorship research has become an essential component of our mission to improve long-term patient outcomes. At City of Hope, we are focused on not only curing childhood cancers but also ensuring that survivors live the healthiest lives possible. A significant part of my research has been dedicated to mitigating the long-term toxicities of cancer therapy—particularly cardiovascular complications that can arise decades after treatment.
Fifty-four years ago, in his State of the Union Message in January 1971, President Nixon proposed a visionary and vigorous new challenge. He said “The time has come in America when the same kind of concentrated effort that split the atom and took man to the moon” should be applied to finding a cure for cancer. He followed up by requesting an appropriation of $100 million, and the promise to ask for whatever additional funds could be effectively used.
Earlier this week at City of Hope, we celebrated World Cancer Day by announcing ambitious solutions to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in cancer care. This includes groundbreaking advancements in microbiome research aimed at improving cancer survival, increased emphasis on cancers that disproportionately affect women and people of color, and enhanced access to advanced cancer treatment.
Advances such as new nontoxic, more effective immunotherapy and improvements that significantly reduce recovery times for complicated surgeries are making cancer treatments less taxing. On the horizon are more ways to give patients the greatest chance of survival while also reducing negative consequences of treatment. Some therapies also will improve the experience, such as chemotherapy consisting of quick subcutaneous injections instead of hours in an infusion chair.
I am pleased to begin a new series from City of Hope®, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. With our National Medical Center ranking among the top 5 for cancer by U.S. News & World Report, we are making a profound and lifesaving difference.
